Controlled Signals Using Signal Guides For Sensor Devices

ABSTRACT

A signal guide for a sensor device is disclosed herein. The signal guide can include a base having a first proximal aperture, where the first proximal aperture has a first cross-sectional profile, where the first proximal aperture is configured to be disposed proximate to a first transceiver element of the sensor device. The signal guide can also include a body disposed adjacent to the base, wherein the body comprises a first main channel that adjoins the first proximal aperture. The signal guide can further include a distal end disposed adjacent to the body opposite the base, where the distal end includes a first distal aperture that adjoins the first main channel, where the first distal aperture has a second cross-sectional profile, where the first distal aperture is configured to be disposed proximate to an ambient environment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/235,939, entitled“Signal Guides For Sensor Devices” and filed on Aug. 12, 2016, whichitself claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/218,340, titled “Light Guides For SensorDevices” and filed on Sep. 14, 2015. The entire contents of theseaforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to sensor devices used inspaces, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices forsignal guides for sensor devices.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a signal guide fora sensor device. The signal guide can include a base having a firstproximal aperture, where the first proximal aperture has a firstcross-sectional profile, where the first proximal aperture is configuredto be disposed proximate to a first transceiver element of the sensordevice. The signal guide can also include a body disposed adjacent tothe base, where the body comprises a first main channel that adjoins thefirst proximal aperture. The signal guide can further include a distalend disposed adjacent to the body opposite the base, where the distalend includes a first distal aperture that adjoins the first mainchannel, where the first distal aperture has a second cross-sectionalprofile, where the first distal aperture is configured to be disposedproximate to an ambient environment. The first proximal aperture, thefirst main channel, and the first distal aperture can form a firstcontinuous channel. The first cross-sectional profile can be differentthan the second cross-sectional profile. The first continuous channelcan be configured to transfer signals between the first transceiverelement of the sensor device and the ambient environment.

In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a sensordevice subassembly. The subassembly can include a first sensor devicehaving a first transceiver element, and a signal guide disposed adjacentto the first transceiver element. The signal guide can include a basehaving a first proximal aperture, where the first proximal aperture hasa first cross-sectional profile, where the first proximal aperture isdisposed proximate to the first transceiver element of the first sensordevice. The signal guide can also include a body disposed adjacent tothe base, where the body includes a first main channel that adjoins thefirst proximal aperture. The signal guide can further include a distalend disposed adjacent to the body opposite the base of the signal guide,where the distal end includes a first distal aperture that adjoins thefirst main channel, where the first distal aperture has a secondcross-sectional profile, where the first distal aperture is configuredto be disposed proximate to an ambient environment. The first proximalaperture, the first main channel, and the first distal aperture can forma first continuous channel. The first cross-sectional profile can bedifferent than the second cross-sectional profile. The first continuouschannel can transfer a first plurality of signals between the firsttransceiver element of the first sensor device and the ambientenvironment.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a systemthat includes a sensor device comprising at least one transceiverelement, and a signal guide disposed adjacent to the at least onetransceiver element. The signal guide of the system can include a basehaving a proximal aperture, where the proximal aperture has a firstcross-sectional profile, where the proximal aperture is disposedproximate to the at least one transceiver element of the sensor device.The signal guide of the system can also include a body disposed adjacentto the base, where the body comprises a main channel that adjoins theproximal aperture. The signal guide of the system can further include adistal end disposed adjacent to the body opposite the base of the signalguide, where the distal end includes a distal aperture that adjoins themain channel, where the distal aperture has a second cross-sectionalprofile. The system can also include an operational device that includesan aperture, where the distal end of the signal guide is disposedadjacent to the aperture and is exposed to an ambient environment. Theproximal aperture, the main channel, and the distal aperture can form acontinuous channel between the ambient environment and the at least onetransceiver element of the sensor device.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BACKGROUND

Sensor devices are used in a variety of applications. For example,sensor devices are used for energy management. In such a case, thesensor device can be placed in a space (e.g., a room) and can measureone or more of a number of parameters within the space. Such parameterscan include, but are not limited to, an amount of ambient light andmovement. Thus, a sensor device can include one or more of a number ofsensors. Examples of sensors that are included in a sensor device caninclude, but are not limited to, a photo sensor and an infrareddetector.

In addition, or in the alternative, a sensor device can include one ormore of a number of other components. For example, a sensor device caninclude an indicating light to let a user know whether the sensor deviceis operating properly. As a result, a sensor device can have asignificant footprint when mounted on a surface (e.g., a ceiling of aroom, a wall of a room) or on an electrical device (e.g., a lightfixture).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of signal guides forsensor devices and are therefore not to be considered limiting of itsscope, as signal guides for sensor devices may admit to other equallyeffective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawingsare not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally,certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visuallyconvey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designatelike or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

FIGS. 1A-1C show various portions of a sensor device currently known inthe art.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a sensor device currently known in the art.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a light fixture with a sensor device currentlyknown in the art.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show another light fixture with a sensor devicecurrently known in the art.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a signal guide for a sensor device.

FIG. 6 shows another signal guide for a sensor device.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show yet another signal guide for a sensor device.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a sensor device with a signal guide.

FIGS. 9A-9C show a light fixture with a sensor device having a signalguide.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show another sensor device with a signal guide.

FIG. 11 shows yet another sensor device with a signal guide.

FIG. 12 shows the sensor of FIGS. 10A and 10B mounted in a surface.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show various views of still another signal guide.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show various views of a signal guide in accordancewith certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 15A-15C show various views of another signal guide in accordancewith certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a subassembly that includes the example signalguide of FIGS. 15A-15C in accordance with certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems,apparatuses, and methods of signal guides for sensor devices. Whileexample embodiments described herein are directed to use with lightingsystems, example embodiments can also be used in systems having othertypes of devices. Examples of such other systems can include, but arenot limited to, security systems, fire protection systems, and emergencymanagement systems. Thus, example embodiments are not limited to usewith lighting systems.

Example signal guides are designed to transmit any of a number of signaltypes. Examples of types of signals that can be transmitted throughexample signal guides described herein can include, but are not limitedto, visible light waves, microwaves, radio frequency waves, infraredwaves, ultraviolet waves, electromagnetic waves, energy waves, soundwaves, control signals, light waves, data signals, and images. Examplesignal guides (or portions thereof) can be made of one or more of anumber of materials (e.g., metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic) to allow thesignal guides to perform the functions described herein.

As described herein, a user can be any person that interacts with sensordevices that include example signal guides. Examples of a user mayinclude, but are not limited to, a consumer, an electrician, anengineer, a mechanic, an instrumentation and control technician, aconsultant, a contractor, an operator, and a manufacturer'srepresentative. For any figure shown and described herein, one or moreof the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure should not beconsidered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown insuch figure. For example, features shown in one or more figures ordescribed with respect to one embodiment can be applied to anotherembodiment associated with a different figure or description.

Further, if a component of a figure is described but not expressly shownor labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding componentin another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if acomponent in a figure is labeled but not described, the description forsuch component can be substantially the same as the description for thecorresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for thevarious components in the figures herein is such that each component isa three or four digit number and corresponding components in otherfigures have the identical last two digits.

Further, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in afigure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does notmean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable ofhaving such feature or component. For example, for purposes of presentor future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as notbeing included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particulardrawings is capable of being included in one or more claims thatcorrespond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

In certain example embodiments, a light fixture or other device thatincludes one or more sensor devices that use example signal guides (orportions thereof) described herein can meet one or more of a number ofstandards, codes, regulations, and/or other requirements established andmaintained by one or more entities. Examples of such entities include,but are not limited to, Underwriters' Laboratories (UL), the Instituteof Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), InternationalElectrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the National Fire ProtectionAssociation (NFPA). For example, wiring (the wire itself and/or theinstallation of such wire) that electrically couples a sensor devicethat includes an example signal guide with a light fixture may fallwithin one or more standards set forth in the National Electric Code(NEC). In such a case, the NEC defines Class 1 circuits and Class 2circuits under various Articles, depending on the application of use.

Example embodiments of signal guides for sensor devices will bedescribed more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which example embodiments of signal guides for sensordevices are shown. Signal guides for sensor devices may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exampleembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of signal guides for sensordevices to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarilythe same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the variousfigures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “inner”,“outer”, “base”, “input”, “output”, “width”, “depth”, “height”,“proximal”, and “distal” are used merely to distinguish one component(or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Suchterms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation,and are not meant to limit embodiments of signal guides for sensordevices. In the following detailed description of the exampleembodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownfeatures have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilycomplicating the description.

FIGS. 1A-2B show various portions of a sensor device 205 currently knownin the art. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows a top view of a cover 101 of thesensor device 205. FIG. 1B shows a top view of a circuit board assembly102 of the sensor device 205. FIG. 1C shows a top view of a distalassembly 103 of the sensor device 205. FIG. 2A shows a top view of thesensor device 205, and FIG. 2B shows a top-side perspective view of thesensor device 205. The cover 101 is part of the sensor device 205currently known in the art. A signal guide can be part of, or a separatecomponent from, a sensor device.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-2B, the circuit board assembly 102 is disposedwithin the housing 215 of the sensor device 205. The circuit boardassembly 102 can include a circuit board 110 on which are disposed oneor more of a number of components. Examples of such components caninclude, but are not limited to, a resistor, a capacitor, an integratedcircuit, an occupancy sensor 159 (also called, for example, a passiveinfrared detector 159), a photo sensor 111, an infrared detector 112(also called, for example, an infrared receiver 112), and alight-emitting diode (LED) assembly 113. For purposes of thisapplication, each of the components that emit an output (e.g., from thephoto sensor 111, from the LED assembly 113) can be called, or caninclude, a transceiver element. As defined herein, the transceiverelement of a sensor can send and/or receive signals. A sensor can alsoinclude one or more other components, including but not limited to atransducer, which converts one form of energy (e.g., a signal) toanother.

The housing 215 of the sensor device 205 is disposed adjacent to thedistal assembly 103. The distal assembly 103 includes an inner body 197and a trim 104 that is movably (e.g., threadably) coupled to the innerbody 197. The trim 104 can be used to hold one or more components of thesensor device 205 in place. For example, the trim 104 can be used toretain the cover 101 currently known in the art. The cover 101 includesa number of holes 106 that are each substantially linear and are alsolinearly aligned with a transceiver element (e.g., photo sensor 111,infrared detector 112, LED assembly 113) disposed on the circuit board110. In this example, the cover 101 has four holes 106 (three of whichare actually used) that are located at different points around theaperture 107 disposed in the middle of the cover 101.

As a result of the configuration of covers known in the art, such ascover 101 of FIGS. 1A-2B, the footprint of the sensor device 205 can belarge and protruding. In addition, the number of features of the sensordevice 205 that are visible to a user can be high. Consequently, somesensor devices currently used in the art, such as sensor device 205, canlack in aesthetic appeal. The sensor device 205 can include anelectrical connector end 217 that is configured to couple to acomplementary electrical connector end of an electrical device. One ormore electrical conductors 216 can be used to electrically couple thecomponents of the circuit board assembly 102 to the electrical connectorend 217. The occupancy sensor housing 108 (e.g., a receiver) of thedistal assembly 103 is disposed within the aperture 107 that traversesthe center of the cover 101.

A sensor device currently used in the art can be mounted in any of anumber of places relative to an electrical device (e.g., a lightfixture). For instance, FIGS. 3A-4B show examples of how a sensor devicecurrently used in the art can be integrated with an electrical device.Specifically, FIG. 3A shows a bottom view of an electrical device 320(in this case, a light fixture) having a sensor device 305 disposed on acenter panel 321. FIG. 3B shows a bottom-side perspective view thatdetails the sensor device 305 of FIG. 3A disposed on the center panel321. FIG. 4A shows a bottom-side perspective view of another electricaldevice 420 (also a light fixture in this case) having a sensor device405 disposed on an outer panel 422. FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional sideview that details the sensor device 405 of FIG. 4A disposed on the outerpanel 422.

The sensor device 305 of FIGS. 3A and 3B and the sensor device 405 ofFIGS. 4A and 4B are substantially the same as the sensor device 205 ofFIGS. 1A-2B. Referring to FIGS. 1A-4B, the distal assembly 303 of thesensor device 305 of FIGS. 3A and 3B and the digital assembly 403 of thesensor device 405 of FIGS. 4A and 4B are visible to a user. As FIGS.3A-4B show, the footprint of the distal assembly 303 and the distalassembly 403 is large relative to the size of the rest of the electricaldevice 320 and the electrical device 420, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the trim 404 of the distal assembly 405 is used tosecure the rest of the distal assembly 405 to the outer-facing surfaceof the outer panel 422 and to secure the housing 415 to the inner-facingsurface of the outer panel 422. The trim 404 has a width 427 (e.g., 1.3inches) and a height (which can be substantially similar to the height426 of the cover 401). The cover 401 also has a width that is less thanthe width 427 of the trim 404. In some cases, the shape and/or size ofportions of a sensor device currently known in the art that would bevisible to a user are so large that they cannot be used with certainelectrical devices.

When a sensor device 405 is relatively small (e.g., trim 404 with awidth 427 of less than 1.5 inches), the sensor device 405 can be calleda mini sensor device (or, more simply, a mini sensor). While theexamples shown in the figures are directed to mini sensor devices,embodiments can be used with sensor devices of any size, includingrelatively large sensor devices.

A sensor device can be located completely behind (as opposed to onlypartially behind) a surface (e.g., a trim of a light fixture). In otherwords, a sensor device can be substantially hidden from view of a user.Such embodiments are shown with respect to FIGS. 5A-9C. Referring toFIGS. 1A-9C, FIGS. 5A and 5B show a first example of a signal guide 550.Specifically, FIG. 5A shows a bottom-side perspective view of the signalguide 550 for a sensor device. FIG. 5B shows a detailed bottom-sideperspective view of a distal end of the signal guide 550 of FIG. 5A. Asdiscussed below, by changing the cross-sectional shape of a channel of asensor guide along the length of the channel, the field of angulardistribution to which a signal can be sent and/or from which a signalcan be retrieved can be controlled for a particular application.

In this case, the signal guide 550 has a base 553 that is configured tobe disposed proximate to a component (e.g., a trim) of an electricaldevice (e.g., a light fixture) for which the sensor device is used. Atthe opposite end of the signal guide 550, there are three proximalapertures 554 (proximal aperture 554-1, proximal aperture 554-2, andproximal aperture 554-3) that are configured to be disposed adjacent toone or more of the transceiver elements mounted on the circuit boardassembly of the sensor device. The proximal apertures 554 of the signalguide 550 can be part of one or more channels, where each channel isdisposed within a body 552 (e.g., body 552-1, body 552-2) that extendsfrom and is coupled to the proximal end of the base 553. Each body 552can have a distal end coupled to the base 553 and include a distalaperture 556 that receives an energy (e.g., light, sound) wave or othertype of signal from a transceiver element through the proximal aperture553 and the main channel 555, and send the signal through the base 553.In addition, or in the alternative, the distal aperture 556 can transmitan energy wave (or other type of signal) that is received from the base553, and transmits the signal through the main channel 555 and theproximal aperture 554 to the transceiver element of a sensor device.

The base 553 can be configured so that energy waves or other types ofsignals emitted by a transceiver element can be directed in some way tothe distal apertures 556 of a channel of the signal guide 550.Alternatively, one or more distal apertures 556 can be incorporatedwithin or at a distal end of the base 553. In such a case, a channel canextend into the base 553 to a point where the associated distal aperture556 is located within the base 553.

In addition, each channel can have a proximal end 553 with a proximalaperture 554, where the proximal end 553 is disposed at the end of thebody 552 opposite the base 553. Each proximal aperture 554 can transmitan energy wave or other type of signal that originates from atransceiver element and is transmitted through the main channel 555 andthe distal aperture 556 to the base 553. In addition, or in thealternative, the proximal aperture 554 can receive an energy wave orother type of signal from an ambient environment (received through thebase 553, the distal aperture 556, and the main channel 555) andtransmit the energy wave or other type of signal to the transceiverelement of a sensor device.

Each body 552 can include a main channel 555 that runs between theproximal aperture 554 at the base 553 and the distal aperture 556 of thedistal end 551. The signal guide 550 can have any of a number ofchannels. In this case, the signal guide 550 has three segments orchannels, where each segment (or portion thereof) is designated by a“-#” at the end of each numerical designation. For example, the proximalaperture of segment 3 has a numerical designation of 554-3. A segmentcan have a single channel (e.g., one proximal aperture 554, one mainchannel 555, and one distal aperture 556) running therethrough that isdevoted the transfer of energy waves or other types of signals with asingle sensor. Alternatively, a segment can have multiple channels(e.g., four proximal apertures 554, four main channels 555, and twodistal apertures 556) running therethrough, where each channel (orportion thereof) is dedicated to a single sensor device or multiplesensor devices.

When the signal guide 550 has multiple channels, one or more of thechannels can be physically separated from the remainder of the segments.In such a case, a gap 546 exists between the segments. Alternatively,when there is no physical separation in the space within a distal end551 (e.g., distal end 551-2), a body 552 (e.g., body 552-1), and or abase 553 (e.g., base 553-3) of the signal guide 550, the channel 555(e.g., channel 555-2) can be used to transmit one or more signalsfrom/to one or more transceiver elements of one or more sensors. If thechannel 555 is used to transmit signals to/from multiple transceiverelements, then the channel 555 can be a single open space or multiplespaces within the channel 555 that are physically separated from eachother.

Using the signal guide 550, the only part of a sensor device that wouldbe visible to a user are the outlet channels 556 of the signal guide550. As a result, the footprint (and in particular the visiblefootprint) of the sensor device can be significantly decreased relativeto the footprint of sensor devices currently known in the art. In such acase, the proximal apertures 554 of the base 553 can redirect energywaves or other signals emitted by transceiver elements that are spreadout in the housing of the sensor device to the main channels 555 and onto the distal apertures 556, which are spaced relatively close together.

The various characteristics (e.g., cross-sectional shape,cross-sectional size, overall shape, overall size, vertical length,overall length, number of proximal apertures, number of main channels,number of distal apertures) of the signal guide 550 (or any portionthereof) can vary. For example, in this case, the cross-sectional shapeof the main channels 555 of the signal guide 550 is rectangular andsubstantially uniform in shape and size along the entire length of themain channels 555. This makes each body 552 appear as an extrudedrectangle. Examples of the cross-sectional shape of a channel, includingthe main channel 555, the distal aperture 556, and/or the proximalaperture 554, can include, but are not limited to, circular, square,triangular, hexagonal, and irregular.

The cross-sectional shape and/or size of a channel (in this case, themain channel 555, the distal aperture 556, and the proximal aperture554) can vary along its length. Also, the cross-sectional shape and/orsize of one channel can be the same as, or different than, thecross-sectional shape and/or size of one or more other channels of thesignal guide 550. Also, while the main channel 555, the distal aperture556, and the proximal aperture 554 of the signal guide 550 of FIGS. 5Aand 5B are substantially linear and parallel to each other, one or moreof the channels can be non-linear along their length, and/or one or moreof the channels can be non-linear with respect to each other.

In addition, or in the alternative, the cross-sectional shape and/orsize of a body 552 can vary along its length. Also, the cross-sectionalshape and/or size of one body 552 can be the same as, or different than,the cross-sectional shape and/or size of one or more other bodies 552 ofthe signal guide 550. Similarly, the cross-sectional shape and size ofthe base 553 can vary. Also, while the body 552 and the base 553 of thesignal guide 550 of FIGS. 5A and 5B are substantially linear andparallel to each other, one or more of the bodies 552 and/or the base553 can be non-linear along their length, and/or one or more of thebodies 552 and the base 553 can be non-linear with respect to eachother. In this case, the channels and the corresponding portions (e.g.,body 552, base 553, distal end 551) of the signal guide 550 in which thechannel is disposed have substantially the same cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom-side perspective view of a sensor device 605 thatincludes another signal guide 650. The sensor device 605 issubstantially similar to the sensor devices (e.g., sensor device 205)described above, except for the signal guide 650. The signal guide 650of FIG. 6 can be substantially similar to the signal guide 550 of FIGS.5A and 5B, except as described below. In this case, the signal guide 650is cylindrical in shape with a cavity 646 that traverse the length ofthe signal guide 650 through the middle of the cylinder. The signalguide 650 of FIG. 6 can include a proximal end that includes at leastone proximal aperture 654. The proximal aperture 654 can be continuousalong the surface of the base 653. Alternatively, there can be a numberof discrete proximal apertures 654 along the surface of the base 653.The proximal aperture(s) 654 can be disposed proximate to thetransceiver elements of the sensor device 605.

The signal guide 650 can also include a distal end 651 that includes oneor more distal apertures 656. The distal aperture 656 can be continuousalong the surface of the distal end 651. Alternatively, there can be anumber of discrete distal apertures 656 along the surface of the distalend 651. In addition, the signal guide 650 can include a body 652 thatis disposed between the distal end 651 and the base 651. The body 652can have one or more main channels 655 disposed therein. When there aremultiple channels 655, those channels can be physically separated fromeach other. Alternatively, when there is no physical separation in thespace within the distal end 651, the body 652, and or the base 653 ofthe signal guide 650, the channel 655 can be used to transmit one ormore signals from/to one or more transceiver elements of one or moresensors. The main channels 655 provide continuity between a proximalaperture 654 and a distal aperture 656.

In some cases, the only part of the sensor device 605 and the signalguide 650 that would be visible to a user is the outlet channel 656 ofthe signal guide 650. As a result, the footprint of the sensor device605 can be significantly decreased relative to the footprint of sensordevices currently known in the art. In this example, the cross-sectionalshape of the signal guide 650 is circular and substantially uniform inshape and size along its entire length. The cross-sectional shape and/orsize of the signal guide 650 (or any portion thereof) can vary along itslength. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the signal guide 650(or any portion thereof) can be rectangular, square, triangular, orirregular. Also, while the signal guide 650 of FIG. 6 is substantiallylinear along its length, the signal guide 650 can be non-linear alongits length.

FIGS. 7A-9C show yet another embodiment of a sensor guide 750.Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a side view of a flattened signal guide 750for a sensor device. FIG. 7B shows a bottom-side perspective view of thesignal guide 750 of FIG. 7A that is shaped. FIGS. 8A and 8B each show abottom-side perspective view of a sensor device 805 that includes asignal guide 850. FIGS. 9A-9C show an electrical device 900 thatincludes a sensor device 905 (substantially similar to the sensordevices described above) with a signal guide 950.

The signal guide 850 of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the signal guide 750 of FIGS.7A and 7B, and the signal guide 950 of FIGS. 9A-9C can be substantiallysimilar to the signal guide 530 of FIGS. 5A and 5B and the signal guide640 of FIG. 6, as well as to each other, except as described below. Inaddition, aside from the signal guides, the sensor device 805 of FIGS.8A and 8B and the sensor device 905 of FIGS. 9A-9C are substantially thesame as the sensor devices described above. Referring to FIGS. 1A-9C,the signal guide 750 of FIGS. 7A and 7B has a base 753 that isconfigured to be disposed proximate to the circuit board assembly.Specifically, the base 753 at the proximal end of the signal guide 750can be disposed adjacent to one or more of the transceiver elementsmounted on the circuit board assembly of the sensor device. In thiscase, the base 753 has a number of proximal apertures 754, where eachproximal aperture (e.g., 754-1) is placed adjacent to a transceiverelement of the sensor device and receives an energy (e.g., light, sound)wave from the transceiver element.

The signal guide 750 can also include a body 752, located between thebase 753 and the distal end 751 of the signal guide 750, where the bodyincludes one or more segments that extend from the base 753. Eachsegment can have a main channel 755 that extends from the correspondingproximal aperture 754 of the base 753. At the distal end 751 of the body752 of the signal guide 750, one or more of the main channels 755 mergeto form one or more distal apertures 756. In this case, the base 753 ofthe signal guide 750 has three proximal apertures 754 and three mainchannels 755, where each proximal aperture 754 and corresponding mainchannel 755 is designated by a “-#” at the end of each numericaldesignation. For example, the second proximal aperture has a numericaldesignation of 754-2.

A proximal aperture 754, a main channel 755, and a distal aperture 756can form a single continuous channel 780. In this case, proximalaperture 754-1, main channel 755-1, and distal aperture 756-1 formschannel 780-1; proximal aperture 754-2, main channel 755-2, and distalaperture 756-2 forms channel 780-2; and proximal aperture 754-3, mainchannel 755-3, and distal aperture 756-3 forms channel 780-3. Acontinuous channel 780 can remain isolated from any other channel 780 ofthe signal guide 750 along the entire length of the channel 780.Alternatively, a portion (e.g., the distal aperture 756) of a channel780 can be shared with a corresponding portion of another channel 780 ofa signal guide 750.

When multiple main channels 755 merge at the distal end 751, the mergercan result in a single distal aperture 756. Alternatively, the merger ofmultiple main channels 755 at the distal end 751 of the signal guide 750can result in a more consolidated configuration of the multiple mainchannels 755 to form the same number of multiple distal apertures 756 atthe distal end 751. For example, in this case, distal aperture 756-1,distal aperture 756-2, and distal aperture 756-3, which correspond tomain channel 755-1, main channel 755-2, and main channel 755-3,respectively, are located adjacent to each other in a line at the distalend 751 of the signal guide 750 of FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The signal guide 850 of FIGS. 8A and 8B is substantially the same as theshaped signal guide 750 of FIG. 7B. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the subsystem809 includes a signal guide 850 and a sensor device 805. The distal end851 of the signal guide 850 is shown as having a single distal aperture856. Alternatively, signal guide 850 can have multiple distal apertures856. For example, there can be one distal aperture 856 for each mainchannel 855, where the multiple distal apertures 856 are aligned in arow so that the distal end 851 of the signal guide 850 forms a linearsegment.

The signal guide 950 of FIGS. 9A-9C is substantially the same as thesignal guide 850 of FIGS. 8A and 8B, except that the main channels (mainchannel 955-1, main channel 955-2, and main channel 955-3) of the body952 have more curvature than the main channels of the body of the signalguide 850. In FIGS. 9A-9C, all of the sensor device 905, including thesignal guide 950, is located behind the trim 971 of the electricaldevice 900. Further, the distal aperture 956 of the signal guide 950 isdisposed within a slot 972 that traverses the trim 971 of the electricaldevice 900. The shape and size of the slot 972 can be substantially thesame as the shape and size of the distal aperture 956. As a result, noneof the sensor 900 except for the outlet channel 956 is visible by a userwhen the electrical device 900 is installed.

This example of FIGS. 9A-9C highlights some advantages of using thesesensor guides. First, the size of the sensor device 900 is much lessrelevant because the sensor device 900 is located where substantialspace exists. Consequently, a sensor device 900 of any size (and havingany of a number of transceiver elements) can be used with the electricaldevice 900. Second, none of the sensor device 900 is visible by a userwhen the electrical device is installed, and so there are no issues withaesthetics. Finally, some signal guides, such as signal guide 950, canbe bi-directional, allowing energy waves to flow both from a transceiverelement and to a transceiver element (or some other component of theelectrical device).

FIGS. 10A-12 show another example where the sensor device is partiallyvisible (as with FIGS. 1A-4B), but where the footprint of the visibleportion of the sensor device is significantly less than what can beaccomplished in the current art. FIG. 10A shows a top view of a signalguide 1050 of a sensor device. FIG. 10B shows a top view of a distalassembly 1073, including the signal guide 1050 of FIG. 10A, of a sensordevice. FIG. 11 shows a top view of a distal assembly 1190, including asignal guide 1180, of a sensor device. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectionalside view that details sensor device 1205 disposed on an outer panel1222 of an electrical device 1292.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-12, the signal guide 1050 of FIG. 10A has one ormore main channels 1053 that are non-linear. In other words, the one ormore distal apertures 1056 at the distal end of the main channels 1055of the signal guide 1050 are spaced adjacent to the aperture 1086disposed in the middle of the signal guide 1050, where the radius of thedistal apertures 1056 is smaller than the radius of the proximalapertures (hidden from view in FIG. 10A, but shown as proximal apertures1254 in FIG. 12) disposed at the proximal end of the main channels 1055.

Put another way, the signal guides of FIGS. 10A-12 can be modifiedversion of the signal guide 650 of FIG. 6, where the distal end of thesignal guides in FIGS. 10A-12 are squeezed inward (e.g., smallerdiameter), thus creating a smaller profile. Thus, energy waves thattravel through the signal guide 1050 travel in a non-linear path. Again,as shown in FIGS. 10B-12, this greatly reduces the footprint of thedistal assembly (distal assembly 1073 in FIG. 10B, distal assembly 1173in FIG. 11, and distal assembly 1273 in FIG. 12) that is visible to auser.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative sensor device where the occupancy sensor(including the occupancy sensor housing 1008 shown in FIG. 10B) isreplaced by a camera 1191. FIG. 12 shows an example of how the sensordevice 1205 can be mounted to an electrical device 1292. In this case,the sensor device 1205 does not have a trim (such as trim 404 in FIG. 4Babove). Instead, a coupling device 1299 (e.g., double-sided tape,adhesive, epoxy, cement, glue) can be used to secure the housing 1215 ofthe sensor device 1205 to the inner-facing surface of the outer panel1222 of the electrical device 1292. Without the trim, the footprint ofthe distal assembly 1273 is greatly reduced compared to the footprint ofthe distal assembly 403 of FIG. 4B above.

Specifically, the distal aperture 1256 of the signal guide 1250 has awidth 1298 (e.g., 0.5 inches) and a height 1296 (e.g., 0.15 inches). Thewidth 1298 of the distal aperture 1256 of the signal guide 1250 is lessthan the width of the cover 401 of FIG. 4B above. In other words, thebell-shape of the signal guide 1250 (and so also of each continuouschannel 1280 of which the distal aperture 1256 is a part) allows for asmaller visible footprint for a sensor device. In addition, the shapeand/or size of portions of a sensor device that would currently be toolarge to be used with an electrical device can be used because of thesmaller footprint and/or the flexibility in placement of the sensordevice.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show various views of still another signal guide 1350.FIG. 13A shows a top-side perspective view of a subassembly 1311 thatincludes an example signal guide 1350 disposed on the trim 1371 of anelectrical device (e.g., a light fixture). FIG. 13B shows a side view ofa subassembly 1312 that includes the example signal guide 1350 disposedon the trim 1371, as well as a sensor device 1305 and a field of angulardistribution 1374.

The channel 1380 of the signal guide 1350 in this case is in the form ofan extruded square. In other words, the channel 1380 of the signal guide1350 of FIGS. 13A and 13B has a cross-sectional shape of a square thatis substantially uniform along its length. The channel 1380 of thesignal guide 1350 of FIGS. 13A and 13B can have a single proximalaperture 1354 or multiple proximal apertures 1354 at the base 1353.Further, the signal guide 1350 can have a single main channel 1380 (asin this case) or multiple main channels of the body 1352. In addition,there can be a single distal aperture 1356 or multiple distal apertures1356 at the distal end 1351 of a channel 1380 of the signal guide 1350.In this example, the channel 1380 has a single proximal aperture 1354, asingle main channel, and a single distal aperture 1356.

The sensor device 1305 is disposed adjacent to the proximal aperture1354 of the base 1353 of the signal guide 1350 to detect signals (e.g.,light waves, microwaves, images) that are transmitted through the distalaperture 1356, followed by the main channel, followed by the proximalaperture 1354 of the channel 1380 of the signal guide 1350 and/or totransmit signals through the proximal aperture 1354, followed by themain channel, followed by the distal aperture 1356 of the channel 1380of the signal guide 1350.

The field of angular distribution 1374 of FIG. 13B shows the range ofintensity 1375 in which signals can be transmitted from the sensordevice 1305 through the signal guide 1350 and/or received by the sensordevice 1305 through the signal guide 1350. In this case, the term“range” can refer to a range of angles using a polar coordinate system.In some cases, such as in this example, the range is centered around 0°.More specifically, in this example, the range is −90° to +90° with 0°aligning with the center axis 1381 along the length of the channel 1380within the signal guide 1350. The center point 1376 of the polar plot ofthe field of angular distribution 1374 is located substantially at thedistal aperture 1356.

In FIG. 13B, the field of angular distribution 1374 is substantiallycircular in shape. Specifically, the intensity 1375 is de minimisbetween −90° and −80°, and between 80° and 90°. The intensity 1375 isapproximately 25% (denoted by grid line 1377) at approximately −70° and70°. The intensity 1375 is approximately 50% (denoted by grid line 1378)at approximately −55° and 55°. The intensity 1375 is approximately 75%(denoted by grid line 1379) at approximately −35° and 35°. The intensity1375 is approximately 100% (denoted by grid line 1381) at betweenapproximately −3° and 3°.

For all of the signal guides discussed above, including the signal guide1350 of FIGS. 13A and 13B, each channel has a substantially uniformcross-sectional shape and size along the length of the channel. In suchcases, the signal (e.g., light wave) transmitted through the channel isnot controlled. Specifically, the field of angular distribution is notbe specifically tailored (e.g., widened, narrowed, elongated, shortened,made symmetrical, made asymmetrical) for a particular application. Bycontrast, using example embodiments, the signal transmitted through achannel of a signal guide can be controlled to give the field of angulardistribution one or more particular properties. For example, as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B, by altering one or more characteristics (e.g.,cross-sectional shape, with or without being combined with length,width, and/or curvature) of the signal guide, one or morecharacteristics (e.g., width of the field of angular distribution 1474,shape of the field of angular distribution 1474, range) of the field ofangular distribution associated with the signal guide can be altered. Inthis way, the characteristics of an example signal guide can be tailoredfor a specific application and/or for a specific sensing device.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show various views of yet another signal guide 1450 inaccordance with certain example embodiments. FIG. 14A shows a top-sideperspective view of a subassembly 1411 that includes an example signalguide 1450 disposed on the trim 1471 of an electrical device (e.g., alight fixture). FIG. 14B shows a side view of a subassembly 1412 thatincludes the example signal guide 1450 disposed on the trim 1471, aswell as a sensor device 1405 and a field of angular distribution 1474.

The subassembly 1411 of FIG. 14A and the subassembly 1412 of FIG. 14Bare substantially the same as the subassembly 1311 of FIG. 13A and thesubassembly 1312 of FIG. 13B, respectively, except as described below.Specifically, While the body 1452 of the signal guide 1450 is in theform of an extruded square, the distal end 1451 has a varying size alongits length. The portion of the distal end 1451 that is adjacent to thebody 1452 has the same cross-sectional shape and size as thecross-sectional shape and size of the body 1452. Traveling down thedistal end 1451 toward the trim 1471, the cross-sectional shape of thedistal end 1451 remains the same, but the cross-sectional size of thedistal end 1451 increases. In this case, the cross-sectional size of thedistal end 1451, in terms of the outer perimeter of the distal end 1451,increases in a linear manner.

When this occurs, the field of angular distribution 1474 of the signalguide 1450 varies relative to the field of angular distribution 1374 ofthe signal guide 1350. In this case, by increasing the cross-sectionalsize of the distal end 1451 relative to the body 1452 of the signalguide 1450, the field of angular distribution 1474 is more narrow thanthe field of angular distribution 1374 associated with the signal guide1350 of FIGS. 13A and 13B. While the field of angular distribution 1474of FIG. 14B (like the field of angular distribution 1374 of FIG. 13B) issymmetrical about 0°, the field of angular distribution 1474 of FIG. 14Bis elongated (not circular).

In this case, the intensity 1475 is de minimis between −90° and −50°,and between 50° and 90°. The intensity 1475 is approximately 25%(denoted by grid line 1477) at approximately −35° and 35°. The intensity1475 is approximately 50% (denoted by grid line 1478) at approximately−28° and 28°. The intensity 1475 is approximately 75% (denoted by gridline 1479) at approximately −13° and 13°. The intensity 1475 isapproximately 100% (denoted by grid line 1481) at between approximately−3° and 3°. The maximum intensity 1475 of the field of angulardistribution 1474 of FIG. 14B can be greater than, the same as, or lessthan the maximum intensity 1375 of the field of angular distribution1374 of FIG. 13B, depending on the characteristics (e.g.,cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional size) of the channel 1480 alongthe length of the channel.

By changing various characteristics of the channel 1480, the field ofangular distribution can be altered in one or more of a number of ways.For example, by gradually decreasing the cross-sectional size of thechannel 1480 at the distal end 1451 relative to the cross-sectional sizeof the channel 1480 at the body 1452 of the signal guide 1450, the fieldof angular distribution 1474 can have one or more differentcharacteristics (e.g., made wider). In addition, or in the alternative,the field of angular distribution 1474 can be altered by changing thecross-sectional shape of the channel 1480 at the distal end 1451relative to the cross-sectional shape of the channel 1480 at the body1452. Further, in addition or in the alternative to the channel 1480 atthe distal end 1451, the cross sectional shape and/or size of thechannel 1480 at the body 1452 and/or the channel 1480 at the base 1453can be changed along their respective lengths.

Further, rather than linear changes to the cross-sectional size of aportion of the channel 1480 at the signal guide 1450, in terms of theouter perimeter of that portion of the channel 1480 at the signal guide1450, a change can transition in one or more of number of other ways,including but not limited to convex curvature, concave curvature,random, and sawtooth. In addition, the various embodiments describedabove with respect to modifying the signal guide 1450 to change thefield of angular distribution 1474 can be applied to a single channel1480 (or portion thereof), such as the proximal aperture 1454, thedistal aperture 1456, and/or the main channel 1455) within a signalguide rather than to the entire signal guide. Alternatively, if a signalguide 1450 has multiple channels 1480, then one or more of thosechannels 1480 can be altered according to example embodiments togenerate a desired field of angular distribution 1474.

FIGS. 15A-15C show various views of another signal guide 1550 inaccordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 15Ashows a side view of the signal guide 1550. FIG. 15B shows across-sectional front view of the signal guide 1550. FIG. 15C shows atop-side-front perspective view of the signal guide 1550. In this case,there are two continuous channels 1580 (channel 1580-1 and channel1580-2) that traverse the height of the signal guide 1550. Channel1580-1 and channel 1580-2 are completely isolated from each other. Inother words, channel 1580-1 and channel 1580-2 may not share any oftheir channel portions with each other.

In this case, the signal guide 1550 is substantially cylindricallyshaped. Channel 1580-1 and channel 1580-2 are disposed, at least inpart, within the body 1582 of the signal guide 1550 and are locatedsubstantially opposite each other. In this case, channel 1580-1 andchannel 1580-2 are longer than the height of the body 1582 of the signalguide 1550, so that the base 1553 of each channel 1580 extends below thebottom surface 1593 of the body 1582 of the signal guide 1550. In thiscase, the distal end 1551 of each channel 1580 terminates onsubstantially planar with the top surface 1589 of the body 1582 of thesignal guide 1550.

As stated above, each channel 1580 of FIGS. 15A-15C is isolated from theother channels. In this case, the body 1582 of the signal guide 1550 isdisposed between the channels 1580. In certain example embodiments, asin this case, there is one or more optional gaps 1588 between a channel1580 and the body 1582 of the signal guide 1550. Here, there is a gap1588 on either side of a channel 1580, and each gap 1588 helps definethe increasing size of the cross-sectional shape of the channel 1580from the proximal aperture 1554 to the main channel 1555 and on to thedistal aperture 1556.

The shape and size of channel 1580-1 is substantially the same as theshape and size of channel 1580-2. Each channel 1580 of the signal guide1550 has a width 1594 and a depth 1580. As can be seen in FIGS. 15A-15C,the depth 1580 is substantially uniform until about two-thirds up thechannel 1580 from the base 1553, at which point the depth 1580 increasessubstantially linearly to the end of the distal end 1551. By contrast,the width 1594 is substantially uniform until about one-third up thechannel 1580 from the base 1553, at which point the width 1594 increasessubstantially linearly to the end of the distal end 1551.

In certain example embodiments, the signal guide 1550 can include one ormore positioning features 1583 that help orient the channels 150 of thesignal guide 1550 with respect to a transceiver element of a sensordevice. A positioning feature 1583 can have one or more of any of anumber of forms, including but not limited to a tab (as shown in FIGS.15A-15C), a slot, a detent, a recess, a protrusion, and an aperture. Ifa signal guide 1550 has multiple positioning features 1583, onepositioning feature 1583 can be the same as, or different than, one ormore of the other positioning features 1583 of the signal guide 1550.

Each positioning feature 1583 of the signal guide 1550 can be disposedat any of a number of locations on the signal guide 1550. For example,the two positioning features 1583 (positioning feature 1583-1 andpositioning feature 1583-2) of the signal guide 1550 of FIGS. 15A-15Cextend outward from the body 1582 adjacent to and substantially planarwith the bottom surface 1593. The two positioning features 1583 of FIGS.15A-15C are not symmetrically disposed about the signal guide 1550 whenviewed from above.

Each positioning feature 1583 can have dimensions (e.g., a height 1587,a length 1584, a width 1585) that are designed to interact with (e.g.,abut against, couple to, be disposed on) one or more features (e.g.,standoff, capacitor, transceiver element, housing) of a sensor device.An example of this is shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B below. In certainexample embodiments, a positioning feature 1583 can form a single piece(as from a mold) with the body 1582 and/or other portion (e.g., outersurface of a base 1553) of the signal guide 1550. In this way, thelocation of the positioning feature 1583 on the signal guide 1550 can bepermanently affixed, as from, for example, a mold, extrusion process,fusion, or a compression fitting.

Alternatively, a positioning feature 1583 can be movable relative to aportion of the signal guide 1550. In such a case, a positioning feature1583 can be removably coupled, directly or indirectly, to a portion ofthe signal guide 1550, As a result, a positioning feature 1583 caninclude one or more coupling features that couple to one or morecomplementary coupling features of a portion (e.g., body 1582) of thesignal guide 1550. A coupling feature can include, but is not limitedto, a portion of a hinge, an aperture, a recessed area, a protrusion, aclamp, a slot, a spring clip, a tab, a detent, and mating threads. Oneportion of a positioning feature 1583 can be coupled to a portion of thesignal guide 1550 by the direct use of one or more coupling features.

In addition, or in the alternative, a portion of a positioning feature1583 can be coupled to a portion of the signal guide 1550 using one ormore independent devices that interact with one or more couplingfeatures. Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to,a pin, a hinge, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a rivet), aclamp, epoxy, adhesive, and a spring. One coupling feature describedherein can be the same as, or different than, one or more other couplingfeatures described herein. A complementary coupling feature as describedherein can be a coupling feature that mechanically couples, directly orindirectly, with another coupling feature.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a sensor device subassembly 1666 that includesthe example signal guide 1550 of FIGS. 15A-15C in accordance withcertain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 16A shows a side view ofthe subassembly 1666, and FIG. 16B shows a top-rear-side perspectiveview of the subassembly 1666. The subassembly 1666 includes part of thehousing 1615 of the sensor device, upon which a circuit board 1610 isdisposed. A number of components are connected to the top surface of thecircuit board 1610, including an infrared detector 1612 (with anassociated transceiver element 1661-1), a LED assembly 1613 (with anassociated transceiver element 1661-2, which in this case is a LED),component 1662, component 1667, component 1668, and component 1669. Acomponent (e.g., component 1662, component 1667) disposed on the circuitboard 1610 can be any of a number of devices, including but not limitedto a resistor, a capacitor, a standoff, a capacitor, an integratedcircuit, a housing, a shield, a heat sink fin, a reflector, a barrier,and an inductor.

In certain example embodiments, the signal guide 1550 is disposed onand/or against one or more of the components of the sensor device. Forexample, in this case, the bottom surface 1593 of the body 1582 of thesignal guide 1550 is disposed on top of component 1662 and component1669. In addition, in this case, a side of positioning guide 1583-1abuts against component 1667, and a side of positioning guide 1583-2abuts against component 1668. In other words, component 1662, component1667, component 1668, and component 1669 are positioned in such a way asto specifically position the proximal apertures 1554 of the signal guide1550 in a particular way (e.g., vertical distance, overall distance,offset, angle) relative to the transceiver elements 1661.

As discussed above, one or more of the positioning guides 1583 of thesignal guide 1550 can be repositioned vertically and/or horizontallywith respect any portion (e.g., body 1582) of to the signal guide 1550.This can be done by a user in order to accommodate the signal guide 1550to a particular arrangement of components on the circuit board (e.g.,circuit board 1610) of a sensor device. This user adjustability of thepositioning guides 1583 makes the example signal guide 1550 retrofitablefor any of a number of existing sensor devices.

Example embodiments provide a number of benefits. Examples of suchbenefits include, but are not limited to, a defined field of angulardistribution, reduction in visible footprint; more simplisticinstallation, replacement, modification, and maintenance of a sensordevice; improved aesthetics; ability to transmit energy waves in twodirections rather than just one direction; compliance with one or moreapplicable standards and/or regulations; lower maintenance costs,increased flexibility in system design and implementation; and reducedcost of labor and materials. Example embodiments can be used forinstallations of new electrical devices and/or new sensor devices.Example embodiments can also be integrated (e.g., retrofitted) withexisting electrical devices and/or sensor devices.

Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to exampleembodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications are well within the scope and spirit of thisdisclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exampleembodiments described herein are not limited to any specificallydiscussed application and that the embodiments described herein areillustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exampleembodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing otherembodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves topractitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the exampleembodiments is not limited herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A signal guide for a sensor device, the signalguide comprising: a base comprising a first proximal aperture, whereinthe first proximal aperture has a first cross-sectional profile, whereinthe first proximal aperture is configured to be disposed proximate to afirst transceiver element of the sensor device; a body disposed adjacentto the base, wherein the body comprises a first main channel thatadjoins the first proximal aperture; and a distal end disposed adjacentto the body opposite the base, wherein the distal end comprises a firstdistal aperture that adjoins the first main channel, wherein the firstdistal aperture has a second cross-sectional profile, wherein the firstdistal aperture is configured to be disposed proximate to an ambientenvironment, wherein the first proximal aperture, the first mainchannel, and the first distal aperture form a first continuous channel,wherein the first cross-sectional profile is different than the secondcross-sectional profile, and wherein the first continuous channel isconfigured to transfer signals between the first transceiver element ofthe sensor device and the ambient environment.
 2. The signal guide ofclaim 1, wherein the first cross-sectional profile is smaller than thesecond cross-sectional profile.
 3. The signal guide of claim 1, whereinthe first cross-sectional profile comprises a square having a firstouter perimeter.
 4. The signal guide of claim 3, wherein the secondcross-sectional profile comprises a rectangle having a second outerperimeter.
 5. The signal guide of claim 1, wherein the first mainchannel has the first cross-sectional profile.
 6. The signal guide ofclaim 1, wherein the main channel has a plurality of thirdcross-sectional profiles that is different than the firstcross-sectional profile and the second cross-sectional profile, whereinthe plurality of third cross-sectional profiles is smaller than thesecond cross-sectional profile and larger than the first cross-sectionalprofile.
 7. The signal guide of claim 1, further comprising: a secondproximal aperture of the base, wherein the second proximal aperture hasa third cross-sectional profile, wherein the second proximal aperture isconfigured to be disposed proximate to a second transceiver element ofthe sensor device; a second main channel of the body that adjoins thesecond proximal aperture; and a second distal aperture of the distal endthat adjoins the second main channel, wherein the second distal aperturehas a fourth cross-sectional profile, wherein the second distal apertureis configured to be disposed proximate to the ambient environment,wherein the second proximal aperture, the second main channel, and thesecond distal aperture form a second continuous channel, wherein thethird cross-sectional profile is different than the fourthcross-sectional profile, and wherein the second continuous channel isconfigured to transfer signals between the second transceiver element ofthe sensor device and the ambient environment.
 8. The signal guide ofclaim 7, wherein the body has at least one physical gap separating thefirst main channel and the second main channel.
 9. The signal guide ofclaim 1, wherein the body further comprises at least one positioningelement that is configured to position the first proximal aperture in aparticular location relative to the first transceiver element of thesensor device.
 10. A sensor device subassembly, comprising: a firstsensor device comprising a first transceiver element; and a signal guidedisposed adjacent to the first transceiver element, wherein the signalguide comprises: a base comprising a first proximal aperture, whereinthe first proximal aperture has a first cross-sectional profile, whereinthe first proximal aperture is disposed proximate to the firsttransceiver element of the first sensor device; a body disposed adjacentto the base, wherein the body comprises a first main channel thatadjoins the first proximal aperture; and a distal end disposed adjacentto the body opposite the base of the signal guide, wherein the distalend comprises a first distal aperture that adjoins the first mainchannel, wherein the first distal aperture has a second cross-sectionalprofile, wherein the first distal aperture is configured to be disposedproximate to an ambient environment, wherein the first proximalaperture, the first main channel, and the first distal aperture form afirst continuous channel, wherein the first cross-sectional profile isdifferent than the second cross-sectional profile, and wherein the firstcontinuous channel transfers a first plurality of signals between thefirst transceiver element of the first sensor device and the ambientenvironment.
 11. The sensor device subassembly of claim 10, wherein thefirst plurality of signals comprises a light wave that is received bythe first transceiver element of the first sensor device from theambient environment through the first continuous channel.
 12. The sensordevice subassembly of claim 11, wherein the light wave originates from afield of angular distribution in the ambient environment, wherein thefield of angular distribution is defined by the second cross-sectionalprofile of the first distal aperture and the first cross-sectionalprofile of the proximal aperture of the first continuous channel. 13.The sensor device subassembly of claim 12, wherein the field of angulardistribution is further defined by a plurality of third cross-sectionalprofiles of the main channel of the first continuous channel.
 14. Thesensor device subassembly of claim 10, further comprising: a secondsensor device comprising a second transceiver element; and a secondcontinuous channel of the signal guide, wherein the second continuouschannel is disposed adjacent to the second transceiver element, andwherein the second continuous channel comprises: a second proximalaperture disposed in the base, wherein the second proximal aperture hasa third cross-sectional profile, wherein at second proximal aperture isdisposed proximate to the second transceiver element of the secondsensor device; a second main channel of the body that adjoins the secondproximal aperture; and a second distal aperture of the distal endadjoins the second main channel opposite the second proximal aperture,wherein the second distal aperture has a fourth cross-sectional profile,wherein the second distal aperture is configured to be disposedproximate to the ambient environment, wherein the third cross-sectionalprofile is different than the fourth cross-sectional profile, andwherein the second continuous channel transfers a second plurality ofsignals between the second transceiver element of the second sensordevice and the ambient environment.
 15. The sensor device subassembly ofclaim 14, wherein the second plurality of signals comprises a light wavethat is sent by the first transceiver element of the sensor device tothe ambient environment through the first continuous channel.
 16. Thesensor device subassembly of claim 15, wherein the light wave isdelivered to a field of angular distribution in the ambient environment,wherein the field of angular distribution is defined by the secondcross-sectional profile of the first distal aperture and the firstcross-sectional profile of the proximal aperture of the first continuouschannel.
 17. A system comprising: a sensor device comprising at leastone transceiver element; a signal guide disposed adjacent to the atleast one transceiver element, wherein the signal guide comprises: abase comprising a proximal aperture, wherein the proximal aperture has afirst cross-sectional profile, wherein the proximal aperture is disposedproximate to the at least one transceiver element of the sensor device;a body disposed adjacent to the base, wherein the body comprises a mainchannel that adjoins the proximal aperture; and a distal end disposedadjacent to the body opposite the base of the signal guide, wherein thedistal end comprises a distal aperture that adjoins the main channel,wherein the distal aperture has a second cross-sectional profile: and anoperational device comprising an aperture, wherein the distal end of thesignal guide is disposed adjacent to the aperture and is exposed to anambient environment, wherein the proximal aperture, the main channel,and the distal aperture form a continuous channel between the ambientenvironment and the at least one transceiver element of the sensordevice.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the operational device is alight fixture, and wherein the aperture traverses a trim of the lightfixture.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the body of the signalguide further comprises at least one positioning element that orientsthe first proximal aperture in a particular location relative to thefirst transceiver element of the sensor device, wherein the at least onepositioning element abuts against at least one selected from a groupconsisting of the sensor device and a component on a circuit board onwhich the sensor device is disposed.
 20. The system of claim 17, whereinthe operational device is controlled using the sensor device based on atleast one signal transmitted through the continuous channel of thesignal guide.